A looming
health
crisis is threatening
teenagers
With almost half a billion people expected to be overweight or obese by 2030, as stated in a recent study.
Specialists from the Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing caution that
adolescent health
The world has reached a “critical juncture,” where changing health issues signify a substantial shift from earlier decades.
Although conventional risks such as tobacco and alcohol consumption have decreased universally, the report underscores a concerning increase in weight gain.
mental health
issues among adolescents.
The commission forecasts that an astounding 464 million teenagers globally will be affected.
overweight or obese
By 2030, this represents a significant rise of 143 million more when compared to the numbers from 2015.
The report uncovers a “substantial downturn” in adolescent mental well-being over the last three decades, which has been further worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The commission emphasizes this change in primary health issues requires immediate attention, urging a coordinated approach to tackle the new obstacles confronting youth nowadays.
The commission’s conclusions highlight the necessity for an all-encompassing strategy regarding teen well-being, expanding past conventional issues to tackle the increasing challenges posed by weight gain and psychological health issues.
They cautioned that advancements in adolescent health have significantly lagged behind the enhancements observed in the wellbeing and growth of younger children—progress which could be jeopardized due to rising rates of poor health among teens.
They mentioned that the present funding “does not match the scale of the challenge.”
They stated: ‘ Adolescence should no longer be overlooked…the moment to take action is now.’
The writers of the report also pointed out that the transition to a “more digitized environment” might significantly affect the future health and well-being of young individuals.
However, they cautioned against “imposing excessive restrictions,” emphasizing the importance of finding a middle ground. They pointed out that the digital realm provides young people with fresh avenues for socializing, learning, working, and promoting well-being.
At the same time, they noted that this cohort of teens is the first to mature amid more severe climatic circumstances.
“Today’s teenagers are the first generation of people who will go through their whole lives feeling the increasing impacts of climate change,” they noted.
Professor Sarah Baird, who serves as co-chairwoman and represents George Washington University in the U.S., stated, “Adolescents’ global health and well-being stand at a critical juncture; however, we have seen inconsistent advancements throughout the last thirty years.”
Although the usage of tobacco and alcohol has decreased, and enrollment in secondary and tertiary education has gone up, we’ve seen an increase in overweight and obesity rates by as much as eight times in certain African and Asian nations within the last thirty years. Additionally, there is a rising global concern regarding the state of adolescent mental health.
Furthermore, the difficulties encountered by teenagers across the globe could be intensified by new worldwide concerns such as climate change, international disputes, and swift shifts towards a digitally oriented society.
Putting resources into the health and well-being of youth is essential for protecting our shared tomorrow.
The writers of the commission’s report emphasize that “investing in adolescent health will grow more critical as we move through the 21st century.” They further state: “Given that populations are aging and birthrates are declining even in the least affluent nations, safeguarding the well-being of young people will be essential for every country’s health and economic success.”
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